Warriors Dominate Saint Mary; Pick Up First Win of Season

FREMONT, Neb. – Midland University took to the turf at Heedum Field on Wednesday evening, hosting Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) rival, the University of Saint Mary. The Warriors controlled nearly every second of the game on their way to a 37-13 win.

The opening quarter saw Midland find the endzone twice. First, it was Angel Ioane Kaio connecting with Allaya Livingston on a deep crossing route for a 66-yard touchdown at the 9:08 mark. On their next possession, Ioane Kaio hit Alyssa Butler in stride for a 49-yard score. The extra point was good as Ioane Kaio hit Olivia Dominguez-Millsop to make it a 13-0 game.

In the second period, the Warriors' passing game continued to find the gaps in the Spires' defense. Just before the halfway point of the quarter, Ioane Kaio hit Jocelyn Lopez from 10 yards out to make it 19-0 in favor of the home team.

With 5:33 left before halftime, Mikaela Nunez intercepted the Spires' quarterback and raced back to the endzone for the defensive score. Things were trending toward a shutout in the first half as Saint Mary was down to its final play of the half from 22 yards out. As the ball was snapped, the clock hit zeros. Cheyenne Brooks hit Sade Ervin for the touchdown. The duo connected again for the one-point conversion, making it 25-7 at the break.

Midland controlled the second half defensively, limiting Saint Mary's chances. After stopping the Spires' first drive, the Warriors moved the ball down the field. With just over three minutes left in the third, Ioane Kaio connected with her fourth different receiver for a touchdown. On the receiving end of the 30-yard touchdown was Dominguez-Millsop, making it a 31-7 game.

With time winding down in the game, Ioane Kaio and the Warriors struck once more. This time it was Eleseana Patterson hauling in the crossing route and then winning the foot race to the end zone for a 35-yard touchdown with 1:34 to go.

The Spires did not roll over on their final possession. Instead, they marched the ball down the field with the two-minute offense. Using their full complement of timeouts, they were able to set up a final play from 28 yards out with two seconds left. As they did to end the second quarter, Brooks found Ervin for the touchdown. Outside of the two plays to end both halves, Midland kept Saint Mary's offense out of the endzone for the 37-13 win.

Official statistic totals were not available after the game.

Midland (1-2, 1-2 KCAC) will travel to Nevada, Missouri this weekend for another conference game. The Warriors will take on Cottey (2-4, 1-4 KCAC) on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.